In a scene that has left the city of Chicago reeling with grief and outrage, 26-year-old **Gabryel Ayres** clutched her young daughter tightly, embodying the ultimate act of maternal love as gunfire erupted around her. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Ayres was fatally shot in a targeted attack that claimed her life while miraculously sparing her 14-month-old baby girl in the backseat. The incident, captured in chilling video footage, has sparked widespread tears, vigils, and renewed calls to end the cycle of gun violence plaguing the city.

The attack unfolded around 1:25 p.m. in the 7900 block of South May Street, near the busy intersection of 79th and May. Witnesses and surveillance video show at least three armed individuals, dressed in dark clothing, approaching a white Chevrolet sedan occupied by Ayres, her 27-year-old companion (identified in some reports as Devin Draper), and the toddler strapped safely in her car seat. Without warning, the assailants opened fire, unleashing more than 50 rounds in a rapid, indiscriminate barrage. Bullet casings littered the street, and the vehicle’s windows were shattered by the onslaught.

Ayres, seated in the front passenger area, was struck multiple times. Despite her severe injuries, reports from family and first responders suggest she instinctively positioned herself to protect her child, using her body as a shield amid the chaos. Her companion was also wounded, sustaining gunshot injuries to his arm and back, but he survived and was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The car veered out of control after the shooting, crashing into a nearby GMC van before coming to a stop.

Miraculously, the little girl emerged completely unharmed—not a single bullet touched her. Police officers arriving on scene found her still in her car seat, clutching a lollipop, crying but alive. The child’s survival has been described by community leaders and family members as nothing short of divine intervention. “If God didn’t show that He was still protecting that baby, I don’t know what else He can show you,” said 17th Ward Alderman in remarks at a vigil, capturing the sentiment shared by many who have called the outcome a “miracle.”

Ayres was rushed to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her godfather, Kirk Bell, confirmed her identity to media outlets, sharing the devastating news with a heavy heart. “This here is unbelievable,” he told reporters, voicing the shock felt by those who knew her.

Born and raised in Chicago, Gabryel Ayres was remembered as a devoted mother, hairstylist, and vibrant young woman whose world revolved around her daughter. Her obituary described her love as “fierce, protective, and unconditional,” noting how her life was centered on providing for and nurturing her child. Friends and family portrayed her as kind, hardworking, and full of life—qualities that made her loss all the more painful. She was not involved in street activity, according to those close to her, making the randomness of her death even more heartbreaking.

The news devastated her parents, who received the crushing phone call from police informing them of the shooting. Rushing to the scene in a desperate bid for answers, they arrived to a nightmare: their daughter’s bullet-riddled car, emergency lights flashing, evidence markers dotting the pavement, and the haunting knowledge that their granddaughter had witnessed the horror. The sight of the aftermath—the shattered glass, the blood, the tiny car seat untouched amid the destruction—left them shattered, a memory they say will haunt them forever. “She took everything upon herself so that her baby could continue to live,” one family member reflected, echoing the profound sacrifice that has brought so many to tears.

By Friday, February 6, the Auburn Gresham community gathered for a powerful vigil near the intersection, organized by St. Sabina Church and supported by local leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson. Hundreds stood in solidarity, holding candles and signs demanding justice and an end to violence. Rev. Michael Pfleger and others pleaded for witnesses to come forward, emphasizing that someone in the neighborhood knows the identities of the shooters. A combined reward of $20,000—offered by Cook County Crime Stoppers and St. Sabina Parish—was announced for information leading to arrests.

Mayor Johnson addressed the crowd, his voice heavy with emotion: “Tragedy continues to tear at the thread of the soul of Chicago.” He condemned the “senseless” nature of the attack and urged unity in the fight against gun violence. Community organizers echoed his call, highlighting how such incidents erode trust and safety in neighborhoods already burdened by high crime rates.

No arrests have been made as of February 8, 2026. Chicago Police Department detectives from the Gresham District are investigating, reviewing surveillance footage, shell casings, and witness statements. Authorities have described the shooting as targeted, though details about motive remain limited. The brazen daylight assault—three gunmen firing dozens of rounds in a residential area—has drawn comparisons to war zones, with one outlet likening the scene to “Kabul in dystopia.”

Social media has been flooded with tributes, prayers, and outrage. Many have shared photos of Ayres smiling with her daughter, captions lamenting a life cut short and celebrating the child’s survival as a beacon of hope amid despair. Others have questioned how such violence persists, calling for accountability and systemic change.

As the investigation continues, Ayres’ family focuses on caring for her daughter, now under her grandmother’s guardianship. The little girl, too young to fully comprehend the loss, represents both unimaginable tragedy and resilient hope. Her mother’s final act—clutching her close, shielding her with everything she had—stands as a testament to unbreakable love in the face of horror.

The Auburn Gresham community, Chicago, and grieving families everywhere mourn Gabryel Ayres. Her story reminds us of the preciousness of life and the urgent need to protect the innocent. Prayers continue for healing, justice, and a future where no mother has to make such a sacrifice.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gresham District CAPS office at 312-745-3641 or Cook County Crime Stoppers at 800-535-7867.